MiDAS is the gold standard training scheme for any organisation that operates minibuses. Ensuring that all minibus drivers receive effective training demonstrates to passengers, parents, carers and guardians that you value safety.MiDAS helps your organisation, school, or business comply with government recommendations and passenger transport industry best practices. The Department for Education and the Department for Transport highly recommend that all minibus drivers complete MiDAS training, and MiDAS is a recognised programme for drivers to comply with Section 19 / 22 permits.

Some insurance companies offer lower premiums on successful completion of MiDAS training. Trained drivers lower the risk of accidents, which can lead to reduced insurance premiums. Ensuring drivers have the skills for driving larger vehicles also ensures they have the confidence performing manoeuvres such as navigating tight spaces and reversing, which is one of the most common causes of insurance claims.

Driving can be stressful, particularly if you are driving a vehicle significantly different to the one you are used to. MiDAS can help to improve driver confidence, helping drivers to apply their car-driving skills to a minibus. It also ensures drivers understand the additional legal responsibilities of carrying passengers when driving a minibus and how to handle a range of situations, such as breakdowns and collisions.

Drivers who have a better understanding of driving minibuses are more likely to drive more efficiently. This helps to save fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions. More efficient driving also means more comfortable journeys for passengers as acceleration and braking are more gentle. Ensuring that vehicles are in a roadworthy condition is a legal requirement, but training drivers to conduct effective walkaround checks and ensuring they understand their responsibilities for reporting defects helps to prevent breakdowns and extend vehicle lifespan.

Whilst there is a cost to training, the long-term cost savings associated with reduced accidents, maintenance, and fuel consumption can be substantial.